Is Kaley Cuoco Happy With the Way ‘The Big Bang Theory’ Ends?

There hasn’t been a show like The Big Bang Theoryin a long time. One that so effortlessly connects with its audience in a way that viewers feel like they personally know Leonard, Sheldon, and Penny (Kaley Cuoco).

The Big Bang Theory is one of the few remaining four-camera shows shot in front of a live audience. When the show first began, no one could have ever imagined it would take on the life that it did. But now, 12 seasons later, fans across the world mourne its end. With the finale just one week away, will the last bow be everything we hope it to be?

‘The Big Bang Theory’ was a show that no one saw coming

Kaley Cuoco from The Big Bang Theory | Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic

When The Big Bang Theory premiered on CBS in 2007, there was no big hoopla to celebrate the show as the next big hit. There wasn’t massive anticipation for the success it would have. The show contained a cast that was relatively unknown at the time, with Kaley Cuoco being the show’s biggest star, having just recently starred opposite the late John Ritter on 8 Simple Rules.

In 2019, the stars of the CBS hit are instantly recognizable. The show has made each star a household name and made them the highest paid cast on television. Big Bang star Johnny Galecki summed it up best when he was asked how he wants the show to be remembered, saying, “I would like the show to be remembered as one that no one saw coming.” He admitted: “We didn’t get a lot of critical love to begin with, and then it just kind of kept climbing.”

Why is ‘The Big Bang Theory’ ending?

Fans weren’t the only ones shocked to hear the show was ending. The cast and crew admitted that they didn’t see the news coming as well. Cuoco revealed that she cried for a whole week after learning the news, while one writer admitted that hearing the news was like learning that someone had died.

The show’s lead Jim Parsons told the cast early in the season that season 12 would be his last on the show. As the show’s success would be affected dramatically by Parsons’ departure, the show’s creator Chuck Lorre decided that season 12 would be the last for the whole cast. While it’s sad to say goodbye, The Big Bang Theory will wrap up at the top of its game and be remembered as one of TV’s great comedies.

What does Penny think of the finale?

ET caught up with Kaley Cuoco after the show filmed the final episode. Cuoco revealed that the whole experience filming the final episode was amazing: “It was perfection and a memory that I’ll have for the rest of my life.” Asked whether she was satisfied with how the show ends, the actress didn’t hesitate, “I’m thrilled with it. I think fans are gonna love it,” she continued, “It’s one of the sweetest finales I have ever seen.”

Here’s the one part of ‘The Big Bang Theory’ that will remain a secret

True fans may have noticed that there is one little detail that has never been revealed on the show. The show’s creators have never revealed Penny’s maiden name. While we frequently hear the full names of other characters on the show life Amy Farrah Fowler or Rajesh Koothrappali, Penny’s last name has never been uttered. Now that she is married, we simply know her as Penny Hofstadter.

Is there a chance we will learn her maiden name during the show’s finale? Nope, that it one detail that will always remain a mystery. The show’s writers decided a long time ago that they would never reveal her name, stating, “We got nervous and superstitious about giving her one.”

The final episode of The Big Bang Theory airs Thursday, May 16 at 8 pm on CBS.